Wednesday, September 8, 2010

homeward bound...

I didn't get the job, so it looks as though an intercontinental move will happen this month after all. I'm looking forward to seeing family and Oregon friends, but man! saying goodbye to Swiss friends is (already) tough.

But life moves on. So, I've applied to five more jobs in the last two days, and I still have three others on my list, including an estuary conservation project manager position in Astoria...I think that sounds really great, but the problem with a degree in African studies is that nobody has any imagination for how it relates to the job they are trying to fill. I don't mind connecting dots for people, but this one is going to be tough to justify, even for me. I'm planning to talk up my thesis on water, the political ecology connections that are relevant in any river estuary context, and my river conservation volunteer experience.

Also, I read that the US needs to create 8 million new jobs before 2011 to be back on track for employment. Well, the smart thing to do, obviously, is create my own job instead of waiting around for someone else to do it. The universities are busy places with unemployment so high. I'll try to drum up an adjunct position teaching African history or a literature course (African literature in English) at one of the universities. There is a surprising dearth of Africanists in the Portland area...time to be a big fish in a little pond!

Meanwhile, I am accepting any and all employment ideas you may have. I'll send you my CV if you ask for it. Any idea will be considered. Gregg has suggested I could be a greeter at the new Walmart...a very depressing thought, until one considers that I could start there, then become store manager, then director of the Walmart foundation in time for the foundation's funded scientists to discover the HIV vaccine. Then, after that, I could become Secretary of State. Walmart greeter isn't so depressing when you look at it that way.

Gregg says I should be sure to mention that in the interview.

7 comments:

  1. :( I'm very sorry you didn't get the job, sorrier because it means we won't see you on our next visit. I know Janet will miss you A LOT.

    On the other hand, having a friend in Oregon isn't all that bad, if we get hungry for the kind of cheese you can't get in Switzerland.

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  2. And knowing the Secretary of State would be really cool. I'd be able to say, "I knew her when she wore Tattoo Rose boots."

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  3. I'd still wear Tattoo Rose boots, even if I was Secretary of State.

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  4. :( All I can say is that all those Basel companies are really missing out. Do you want to borrow Tim Ferriss's "4-Hour Work Week"? That's all about creating your own employment and having time left over for doing the stuff that's important - like showing everyone how cool Africa is.

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  5. Yay! We get to have Stephanie for awhile, now. Glad to hear your near future is getting a bit more clear. I look forward to seeing you soon. Anne

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  6. Hey Steph, how sad. Basel companies really miss out, I agree.
    I am going to miss you ton wise Gina

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  7. Well...from a purely selfish point of view, I am glad you will be closer to home for a while. Basel has had three years. It is time for us to have another turn, I think....

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